How to install a new solar cover
Fitting a solar blanket is a relatively simple job. Take your time, and cut it at least twice - and preferably leave 2 to 3 weeks before your final trim. This allows for the packing folds to flatten out, and for the cover to settle. It is possible for a cover to lose around 10% in length within the first couple of weeks - this is allowed for on a new cover, so bear it in mind, and do not cut too much off thinking the cover is too big.
Remove the cover from the box, and lay it next to the pool. Carefully unfold it, and spread it over the pool surface, bubble side down, smooth side up. If you can, leave it in the sun for a couple of hours to give the cover time to 'relax'.
When it is ready, smooth the cover out, over the pool surface, getting rid of wrinkles and air pockets. Smoothing it with a pool broom often helps. Once flattened, you can start trimming to shape with a pair of sharp scissors. When you come to the skimmer box, cut a 'flap' or 'tongue' to sit inside the box.
We suggest fitting the blanket a little larger, so that it 'turns up' at the edges, creating a bowl effect within the pool, so that leaves or debris will sit on top of the cover, rather than falling into the water. Leaves can then be brushed or blown into the skimmer box before taking the cover off. Leave a good 10-15cm of extra material all the way around during this first trim, cutting the blanket so that it sits just under the pool coping.
If you have someone to help, ask them to hold the cover still, at the opposite side of the pool to where you are working. While you are trimming, it is important to keep checking behind you and in front, to make sure the cover does not move.
Once you have your basic fit, stop cutting, then leave the blanket to 'relax'. In around 2-3 weeks time, you can come back and trim to the final fit.
Adjust the chlorinator settings immediately
Once your cover is in place, it is important to check the settings on your automated chlorinator. Your new pool cover will cut chemical usage by around half, so you need to make adjustments. We recommend turning automatic chlorinators down to half the previous setting, then checking pool chemical levels and continuing to adjust settings daily until the appropriate levels are reached.
You can easily do this yourself with a packet of test strips from your pool shop.
How to dispose of Oasis solar cover off-cuts?
An ABGAL Oasis solar cover is made of LDPE 4 so it is fully recyclable. If your local council facility can process LDPE (category 4), you can put offcuts straight into your recycling bin. If you are unsure, give them a call first to confirm.
